The United States Vice President, Joe Biden, departed for Pakistan as the American delegation’s leader for the Iran-US talks, facilitated by Pakistan. In a statement made on the occasion of his departure, Biden said that the talks will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines laid down by US President Donald Trump. He expressed confidence that the talks will be positive.
Biden emphasized that if the Iranian leadership demonstrates good faith, the US will be open to constructive dialogue. However, if Iran shows no sincerity and engages in deceitful behavior, the American negotiating team will not be inclined to respond positively.
The talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 8-9. The American delegation comprises Joe Biden, Special Envoy Steve Wietkoff, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, and Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Baqer Qalibaf, will lead the Iranian delegation.
Pakistan’s Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, welcomed the dignitaries. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that visa-free travel arrangements will be made available for the Iranian and American delegations, as well as journalists.
US Ambassador Mark Rubbin announced that the visa of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s son, Ishaq Hashemi, his wife, and children has been revoked. According to Rubbin, these individuals were not eligible to benefit from special residency rights in the United States.
In a statement, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that the Iranian delegation will engage in negotiations with courage and audacity, prioritizing Iran’s interests.
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the US-Iran talks in Islamabad, urging both parties to demonstrate maximum tolerance, respect for sovereignty and regional integrity, and promote dialogue and diplomacy.
Meanwhile, a Pakistani military contingent has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia under the Strategic Defense Agreement. US President Donald Trump said that the US has begun the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of medical personnel, civilians, and defense personnel. The European Airports Council International (ACI) wrote to the European Commission’s senior officials, expressing concerns about the situation caused by the war in Iran.
Donald Trump stated that the US has more oil than any of the next two largest economies and is waiting for the other party to move.
Pakistani Air Force F-16 fighter jets provided air security for US Vice President Joe Biden’s aircraft as it arrived in Islamabad for the talks, a video of which has gone viral on social media.
A White House official has denied reports that the US has agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets in foreign banks. The funds were frozen in 2018 and were to be released as part of a prisoner swap deal between the US and Iran in 2023.
The Chinese Embassy stated that it hopes the relevant parties will take further steps to reduce tensions. They emphasized that Iran will protect the interests and rights of its people with full authority.
In a look back, past US Presidents and Vice Presidents have visited Pakistan. Indonesia has welcomed the upcoming US-Iran talks in Pakistan. Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide Pakistan with $5 billion in financial assistance. A Pakistani military contingent has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia under the Strategic Defense Agreement.
